Case control studies use?
Documentary records
Biological samples
Interviews
Cross-sectional studies use?
Pre existing records etc Biological samples Questionnaires Structured interviews Surveys
Cohort studies use?
Self completing questionnaires.
Independent variable
Exposure
Dependable variable
Outcome
The key feature of all quantitative study methods is the consistency and accuracy of the data collection process. What is consistency and accuracy?
Consistency = reliability Accuracy = validity
These ensure that data is suitable and can be generalised.
Surveys:
Attempt to quantify the prevalence of a variable.
Descriptive or correlation all (association)
Prospective or retrospective
+ cheap
- superficial, self selecting